DOVER — More than fifty people dressed as zombies trudged their way down Central Avenue on Saturday afternoon as part of the seventh annual Zombie Walk.

Participants smeared makeup across their faces, using tactics that created the illusion of bloody gashes sliced into their skin and eyeballs hollowed from their faces. Clothing dangled from the zombie's bodies adding to the realistic costumes.

The parade began at the Dover Chamber of Commerce building and preceded down Central Avenue to Adelle's coffee shop.

Pat Hartnett, of Dover, was among participants who dressed up for the event.

“This is my third year participating in the zombie walk. I do it because I know the organizer well, and it is just a lot of fun,” Hartnett said.

He commented that this year's walk was distinct from the other two because his artwork is being displayed in Adelle's, where the procession concluded. He was selected as the coffee shop's October artist, and various pieces from his collection are being displayed on the walls.

“It is awesome to see my work hanging up. This year will be particularly memorable,” he said.

The zombie walk began seven years ago after Larry Clow, of Dover, had read about several other similar events happening in other towns and cities throughout the country.

“Portsmouth has a Halloween parade and I wanted Dover to also have a unique way to celebrate,” Clow said. “Every year the zombie walk has gotten bigger.”

When the parade first began only 20 or so people participated, but since that time more than 50 locals have hit the streets decked out in zombie attire.

“Some people get really into it,” Clow said. “These costumes are really creative. Every year they get better.”

Following the parade people were encouraged to take part in the “brain-shaped” Jell-O eating contest and best costume contest. The highest placed individuals took home heaps of candy and gift certificates donated from local businesses.

“Even though the makeup and costumes are gruesome, this is a family-friendly event,” Clow said.

Clow also participated in the zombie walk, wearing a white suit strewn with blood and fake skin peeled from his face. During the parade other residents trick-or-treated through downtown businesses. Children dressed up as their favorite characters from television shows, movies and video games.

Dover businesses handed out candy to the children that roamed around the streets. However, the trick-or-treaters all stopped gathering candy for a few moments when the zombie parade staggered through the downtown, youngsters clinging to their parents and letting out shrieks of horror.

Click image to enlarge

Zombies gather at the Chamber of Commerce in Dover on
Saturday to start the 7th
annual Dover Zombie Walk.
Julian Russell/Staff
photographer

Click image to enlarge

Julian Russell/Staff photographer
Zombies stagger down Central Avenue in Dover as part of the 7th annual Zombie Walk on Saturday.